Year in Review, Winter: Blizzards Hit Campus

Winter term at Exeter is often characterized by its massive amounts of ice and snow, sending students into constant prayers for spring term. This winter was especially fitting of these characteristics as students braved the multiple blizzards that swept through the Northeast. The National Weather Service sent a warning preparing the East of the mammoth blizzard Juno, which would leave New England immobilized from Tuesday, Jan. 27 until the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 28. In reaction to this warning and in order to protect the school from Juno’s safety hazards, Principal Tom Hassan decided to declare Tuesday the 27th Principal’s Day, cancelling all classes and required appointments, except music lessons. lthough students were relieved to be free of facing the bitter winds and feets of snow for their classes, some students were upset that Principal’s Day was used on a day where they would have to stay inside. Hassan later made up for it with a 2nd Principal’s Day on Apr. 30. Principal’s Day typically falls on a warm day in the spring, when students have an opportunity to spend their free day enjoying the outdoors. Other members of the community were surprised that Exeter, a school which very rarely cancels classes, had finally given in to a snow day. But for essential employees, this snow day did not apply. They were required to brave the blizzard and road conditions to shovel the snow, clear the roads around campus, provide hot food and maintain the campus. Many students and faculty helped the staff in shoveling the snow to show their gratitude. Juno was not the last blizzard and more storms reached Exeter’s grounds, resulting in other difficulties and cancellations, such as the cancellation of Exeter’s annual Jazz brunch.